Information for the public

 

Information for the public

 

The RACGP > Faculties > RACGP Western Australia > WA ADHD GP Training Program > Information for the public
Last updated 5 March 2024

The WA ADHD GP Training Program was developed to improve access to timely, equitable diagnosis and treatment of ADHD across Western Australia.
 
GPs who have become endorsed stimulant prescribers following their training, will be able to diagnose and prescribe stimulant medication for patients aged 10 years and over following a comprehensive ADHD assessment and subject to a number of conditions determined by the Medicines and Poisons Regulation Branch of WA Health.
 
Initially, this initiative will free up at least 3,250 patients statewide.
 
This gives patients more options to receive appropriate care depending on your circumstances.
 
Participating GP details are available on the  HealthyWA website.
 
Please note, by having their name listed on this site, does not mean the GPs will be taking on new patients. As GPs will initially give priority to their existing patients.
 
Consultation costs are set at the discretion of each general practitioner and their practice. Medicare rebates may apply to part of the consultation; however, this will vary depending on the individual GP. 
 
Members of the public are encouraged to check this webpage regularly for updates, as information will be published here when it becomes available.
 
Unable to see a GP? We encourage you to contact your local MP to urge that more GPs are trained.

find your local mp here 

Patient eligibility checker

Please use this tool to identify the most appropriate place to access your care: 

  1. Under 10 years old → Paediatrician
  2. Complex conditions → Paediatrician or Psychiatrist
  3. Stable diagnosed ADHD over 18 years old, reviewed by approved specialist within last three years →  Paediatrician or Psychiatrist or potentially WA GP (under a shared care or co-management arrangement)
  4. Stable diagnosed ADHD under 18 years old, reviewed by approved specialist within last 12 months → Paediatrician or Psychiatrist or potentially WA GP (under a shared care or co-management arrangement)
  5. New assessment age ≥10 and under18 without complexity → either GP designated stimulant prescriber or Paediatrician or Psychiatrist
  6. New assessment age ≥18 without complexity → either GP designated stimulant prescriber or Psychiatrist 

It may be possible and appropriate to see a GP designated stimulant prescriber for ADHD assessment and management if you: 

  • currently live in Western Australia,
  • are 10 years or older,
  • have not experienced atypical medication responses
  • do not have a record of drug dependence or over supply,
  • are not a participant in the CPOP program; and
  • are not a patient with complex, high-risk, or atypical presentations that require specialist multidisciplinary assessment, intensive intervention, or management beyond the scope of primary care/shared-care arrangements.

Diagnosis and prescribing for complex cases will remain the responsibility of the non-GP specialist (psychiatrist or paediatrician ).

Current shared-care or co-management arrangements

A co-management or shared-care arrangement is an agreement that is established between an Ahpra registered relevant medical specialist and another prescriber. The other prescriber is usually a general practitioner (GP), other registered medical practitioner, or nurse practitioner who agrees to partner in the care of a patient. This arrangement improves access to treatment and adds benefits to patients by combining continuity of care by their regular prescriber with specialist intervention and oversight.

Under a co-management arrangement, the relevant treating specialist is responsible for providing detailed advice and support to the other prescriber. This includes specific instructions about the treatment arrangements, pharmacotherapy treatment decisions such as medicine and dose, and ongoing review arrangements as deemed clinically appropriate. Both practitioners involved in the patient’s care are responsible for ensuring that prescriptions are issued by one prescriber at any given time.

Ask your psychiatrist or GP about a shared-care arrangement.

Useful resources and where to access support

ADHD WA

ADHD WA is a research-based support and information agency, that assists and empowers people with ADHD and associated conditions. ADHD WA supports  families, partners, co-workers, teachers, or anyone who is connected to someone living with ADHD.

ADHD WA provides health professional and patient resources and support services including therapy, assessments, coaching and group programs.

 

Complex Attention and Hyperactivity Disorders Service (CAHDS)

CAHDS is a state wide service that works with children, young people (under 18 years old) and families. Children and young people accessing CAHDS must have a diagnosis of ADHD and currently being treated by a Paediatrician or Child Psychiatrist. CAHDS work with children and young people who have not responded to typical ADHD interventions, and are continuing to experience persistent problems with symptoms or functioning. CAHDS is a free service funded through the Department of Health WA.
 

Frequently Asked Questions


Participating GP details will be added to the HealthyWA website.

Participating GPs will initially prioritise current patients.

GPs are also limited to a patient load under the Medicines and Poisons Regulation Branch, so they may not have immediate capacity to take on new patients.

If you are unable to see a GP, we encourage you to contact your local MP to urge that more GPs are trained.

find your local mp here 


The initial 65 GPs were selected to ensure geographical spread, with prioritisation for rural, regional, outer-metropolitan areas, and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs).


This program is designed as a targeted initiative to build capability within general practice. The initial funding is for 64 GPs and we are actively in the planning stages of expanding the program.


Yes. A GP may be able to continue prescribing medication under a shared‑care agreement with a treating specialist (paediatrician or psychiatrist), provided this is approved by the treating specialist. This process is already available. You should speak to your GP or treating specialist about accessing this arrangement.


Consultation fees are set by individual GPs and their practices. Medicare rebates may apply to part of the consultation, depending on the GP and type of service provided. This will vary depending on the individual GP and their practice.